Visit Carroll County Illinoishttp://visitcarrollcountyil.com
Places to see and things to do in beautiful Northwest IllinoisMon, 18 Sep 2017 01:50:11 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.260782063Mount Carroll Sesquicentennial Art Tourhttp://visitcarrollcountyil.com/mount-carroll-sesquicentennial-art-tour/
Fri, 07 Apr 2017 13:49:54 +0000http://visitcarrollcountyil.com/?p=3392The Mount Carroll Sesquicentennial Art Tour Will Feature Some of Mt. Carroll’s Many Artistic Talents The Tour Sunday, April 23 between 1 and 4 p.m. Silent Auction For Oil Painting by a Mount Carroll Artist Area art lovers will have a month to bid on an oil painting by a Mount Carroll artist. An oil […]

The Tour

Spanning six different Mount Carroll locations, the Sesquicentennial Art Tour will highlight the variety of artists who have lived in the area throughout the years and today,

The West Carroll School District business office at 642 S. East St. will feature art from the city’s past. The exhibit will feature a large mural and artwork by Armella Kneale as well as artwork from Andy Armstrong and former Shimer College art instructors Grace Bawden and Ben Kneale.

An exhibit at the Mount Carroll District Public Library, 208 N. Main St., will feature Michael Johnson's photography and Thomas Locker's oil paintings and studies for illustrations of his children books.

The lobby of the Mount Carroll Post Office, 211 N. Clay St., will feature a Work Progress Administration (WPA) mural.
Another stop along the tour is Heather Houzenga’s gallery, Now & Zen Gallery, 208 W. Market St.

The last stop on the tour will be the Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll, 1006 N. Lowden Rd., which will feature a mural by West Carroll students. Refreshments will be served.

Silent Auction For Oil Painting by a Mount Carroll Artist

Edward B. Kirwan and his sister, Karen Bazilewich, both of Mount Carroll, display an oil painting Kirwan painted of Market Street Commons. Kirwan has donated the painting, which will be sold via silent auction on April 23, as part of the Mount Carroll Sesquicentennial Art Tour.

Area art lovers will have a month to bid on an oil painting by a Mount Carroll artist.

The painting will be sold via silent auction, ending during the Sesquicentennial Art Tour scheduled for Sunday, April 23.
The painting was done by local artist Edward B. Kirwan, who has lived in Mount Carroll for approximately 15 years. He has been an artist for many years, making a living as an illustrator for some time. He is now retired, but restores paintings for private collections.

Kirwan said he was inspired by the Kraft building several years ago, when community volunteers were working to rebuild the century-old structure after a devastating fire. He volunteered briefly at the site and took several photos of the building after the project was complete.

Last year, he finished the oil painting which depicts wintertime activity at the Market Street Commons. Kirwan said he added the snow to give the scene a “cozy” feel and decided to add people rushing to the building.

“To give it a feeling that it was a community place where people can meet,” Kirwan explained.

People can look at the painting and place bids during regular business hours at City Hall, which are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The painting will be relocated to the Mount Carroll District Public Library on April 23 for the Sesquicentennial Art Tour.

June 1-11, 2017
Everyone’s favorite nanny takes the stage in this practically perfect, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure. Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances.
The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. You
ng Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic, common sense and some memorable adventures, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft.

ALL AUDIENCES; approx 2.5 hours with intermission

AH, WILDERNESS!

June 15-24, 2017
Eugene O’Neill’s romantic coming-of-age comedy introduces us to the charming Miller family of seaside Connecticut. Among the generations is seventeen-year-old-son Richard, a young man feeling the rushes of desire and rebellion and dreaming of his life ahead. Relive the moments of youth when everything seems possible as the Millers celebrate the Fourth of July holiday in this valentine to the soul of the American family–a family of another time, with all the shenanigans, smiles and poignant memories that go with it. Chuck Smith (Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years) returns to direct this American masterpiece.
“A breath of fresh air…A miracle of sense and sensibility….Vividly alive.”- New York Post

Mild Adult themes; Approx 2.5 hours plus intermission

EVITAJune 29-July 9, 2017
Told through Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice’s beloved score that fuses haunting chorales with exuberant Latin, pop and jazz influences, EVITA creates an arresting theatrical portrait as complex as Argentina’s mEVITA_Logoost famous First Lady, herself. Eva Peron’s legendary rise to power is the is the subject of this dynamic musical masterpiece. Driven by ambition and blessed with charisma, she was a starlet at twenty-two, the president’s mistress at twenty-four, First Lady at twenty-seven, and dead at thirty-three. Evita, “saint to the working-class, reviled by the aristocracy and mistrusted by the military,” has compelled audiences in this musical that’s become a classic since its premier.

Some Adult Themes; Approx 2:15

SCAPINO!

July 13-22, 2017
The play takes place around a dockside cafe in 1970s Naples, Italy, where the leading character, Scapino, devises a complex plot to help two pairs of lovers fight against parental

opposition that, it turns out, may not actually exist. Scapino is a rapscallion, a fast-talking, quick-thinking scamp who cleverly manipulates and cajoles everyone into doing what Scapino intends them to do. Frank Dunlop and Jim Dale have created a non-stop comedy with slapstick, acrobatics and burlesque, and although ”Scapino” is not a musical, it is punctuated with songs that give the evening a zany and magical feel.

Some bawdy comedy; Approx 2 hours

Rodgers & Hammerstein’sCAROUSEL

July 27-August 6, 2017Time magazine called Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel the best musical of the 20th century. Carousel LogoExperience the show that has captivated audiences around the world with its powerful story of Julie, an innocent, young millworker, and Billy, the swaggering carousel barker she falls in love with. Losing his job just as he learns that Julie is pregnant, Billy, desperate to provide a decent life for his family, is coerced into being an accomplice to a robbery. 15 years later, Billy is given one final chance for redemption by delivering hope to the lonely, teenage daughter he never knew. Featuring songs like “If I Loved You,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” “June is Busting Out All Over,” and some of the greatest dances ever created for the stage, it’s easy to see why, of all the shows they created, Carousel was Rodgers & Hammerstein’s personal favorite.

Some adult themes; Approx 2:30

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

August 10-20, 2017
Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, andLittle Shop Aladdin) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular musical comedies in the world. From its first performance in Manhattan’s East Village 35 years ago, Little Shop … continued to grow, taking over LA, London, Japan, Peoria, Hollywood, Sweden, Bulgaria, Broadway and theatres across the nation.
Based on Roger Corman’s super fast, super creepy, super cult hit film, Little Shop of Horrors is the story of Seymour Krelborn, a lovesick clerk in Mushnik’s Skid Row Florist. He stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his beloved, ditzy coworker. Over time, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and appetite, and he must choose between love, fame and saving the world.

]]>3106Winter Wildlife Abounds in Carroll Countyhttp://visitcarrollcountyil.com/winter-wildlife-abounds-in-carroll-county/
Sun, 26 Feb 2017 09:02:21 +0000http://visitcarrollcountyil.com/?p=2950I am not a photographer. I do not have the equipment, skill, or patience. Yet I admire and appreciate the nature photographs of Carroll County professional photographer Rick Brant. Rick’s interest in photography started at a young age when his great aunt gave him a box camera, which he used as a child to take […]

]]>I am not a photographer. I do not have the equipment, skill, or patience. Yet I admire and appreciate the nature photographs of Carroll County professional photographer Rick Brant. Rick’s interest in photography started at a young age when his great aunt gave him a box camera, which he used as a child to take pictures of family and vacations. After he married, Rick borrowed his father-in-law’s 35 mm film camera to further advance his interest and abilities in photography. Rick honed his skill studying photography at a community college.

Snowy Owl

Putting oneself in Rick’s shoes, you are a professional photographer with a keen interest in nature photography, but it is wintertime in northwest Illinois. And a rather bleak winter, as we have had little snow. Where do you find nature shots? Lots of places, it turns out. Like on a roadside utility pole where Rick, and his wife Cheryl, spotted the great snowy owl, one of two that return to our county each winter. I can relate my own experience with this beautiful bird. While driving one of our county highways, I was suddenly startled by a mass of white hurling past my windshield. Avoiding collision by mere seconds, I was awe struck by the immense wingspan of this gorgeous creature.

Piebald Deer

Another favorite of Rick’s recent photos is the piebald deer. This lovely animal has a rare inherited trait that causes it to be a speckled white and brown. And yes, the piebald live right here in the county, at Lake Carroll, the incorporated lake community that is Rick’s home. Each time Rick posts pictures of these beauties on his Facebook page, neighbors comment about their own sightings, while others ask for location so they too can sneak a peek.

Bald Eagle

I would be remiss without mention of our great bald eagles. Rick captures shots of these majestic birds with some regularity and even got a shot recently of one catching his lunch in the lake. As Rick relates, Carroll County provides abundant photographic settings in all seasons with birds and animals both large and small, as well as landscapes, farmscapes, historical architecture and the Mississippi River. Rick’s work is available for purchase at Bald Guyz, a quaint coffee shop in historic downtown Mt. Carroll and be certain to view Rick’s Facebook Page.

Rick shares that in relocating to Carroll County, he and his wife enjoy a relaxing escape to the outdoors in all seasons. If you like the outdoors, nature, photography, changing seasons or just plain old relaxation in quiet countryside, make Carroll County your vacation destination. See lodging listings and descriptions right here on our website.

]]>Hole up in a cabin with tea, wine, board games, and binoculars…Get out and explore downtowns…A bit of both…

Couples, girlfriends, singles…it doesn’t matter…

Stay…

Hickory Hideaway

Hickory Hideaway Cabins is offering “extra special” touches for the holiday, including massages, chocolate strawberries, champagne, roses and rose petals. Their physical address is in Shannon but they’re located right outside of Lake Carroll. Call for more information and pricing to add those “extra special” touches to your reservation. Click here for their website.

The Nest at Palisades

The Nest at Palisades in Savanna is offering 20% off for the holiday. Click here for more information.

Robert’s Roost Country Guest House Valentine’s Special

Roberts’ Roost Country Guest House in Savanna is offering a Valentine’s Package, including a two night stay, two-layer heart-shaped double chocolate cake, strawberries, double chocolate muffins, and a bottle of red wine from an area winery. In addition, all the fixings for a complete country breakfast and microwave popcorn for you to cook yourself. Click here for more information.

Seven Eagles Resort in Savanna is offering a log cabin special from February 10th to the 15th. Stay one night at the regular price of $100 and get your second night 50% off. Clickhere for more information.

Trailside Inn in Lake Carroll is offering a Winter Getaway Special from January through March. $69.00 for a Standard Room. Click herefor more information.

The latter is allowed at the boat launch when the ice is thick enough. Catfish and carp are the most commonly caught fish, but bluegill, crappie and bass are out there, too. Those long on experience might even land walleye and/or northern pike.

Call or visit the park office ahead of time, at 815-273-2731 or 16327A Illinois Route 84, Savanna, Illinois, 61074.

Chestnut Mountain Resort, thirty-four miles Northwest of Mount Carroll, welcomes all ski and snowboard levels, with runs ranging from novice to black diamond.

The resort has a clothing store and rental, equipment rental, repair and tuning, as well as ski and snowboard classes. When you’re ready to eat, relax, or watch a game, there’s a grill, sports bar, and a café. There’s even a daycare, Powder Playcare, where you can drop your toddler(s) off for ten dollars per hour, per child.

Hours and rates can be found at here. Night skiing/snowboarding is happening through January 7th.

Sixty-six miles Southwest of Mount Carroll is the Rock Island Arsenal, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. It is an active US Army facility located on a 946-acre island on the Mississippi River. On February 4th and 11th, the Mississippi River Visitors Center, located on the island at Lock & Dam 15, will host eagle watching and historical clock tower tours.

The clock tower tours are free but reservations are required as group size is limited. Call 309-794-5338 to reserve your spot!

If you need a place to stay, the Nest at Palisades is offering an Eagle Watch Special. Their cabins are on the east side of the Mississippi Palisades State Park. Click here for more information.

Jean Ferris, creator of the event, said, “ I want to honor past citizens from different eras and walks of life. Their stories are important to our history and help us define who and what we are today. The figures will be portrayed with dignity and respect. We will learn about their lives and what legacies they have left us. The event is suitable for all ages.”

Held in the Community Room of the museum, a donation of $8.00 is appreciated.

]]>2670Mount Carroll Pumpkin Festhttp://visitcarrollcountyil.com/mount-carroll-pumpkin-fest/
Wed, 28 Sep 2016 16:43:15 +0000http://visitcarrollcountyil.com/?p=2661Mt Carroll Pumpkin Fest October 22nd 2016 Mt Carroll’s downtown will once again turn into the pumpkin capitol of NW Illinois on October 22nd during the Mt Carroll Pumpkin Fest. Organized by the Chamber of Commerce, it will offer a variety of family friendly activities to help get you in the spirit of Halloween. New this year […]

Mt Carroll Pumpkin FestOctober 22nd 2016Mt Carroll’s downtown will once again turn into the pumpkin capitol of NW Illinois on October 22nd during the Mt Carroll Pumpkin Fest. Organized by the Chamber of Commerce, it will offer a variety of family friendly activities to help get you in the spirit of Halloween. New this year is the Pumpkin Cousin Mini Squash Races and the 5K Zombie Run where runners in ghoulish garb will test their endurance on the hills of Mt Carroll. Mt Carroll eateries will be offering a variety of lunch time specials & the downtown lamp posts will be decorated for the Halloween season.

Spend a fall day in this historic community and stroll the brick streets while checking out the selection of eateries and shopping in unique stores & antique shops. Go to the Pumpkin Fest FB page for all the details.

Mt Carroll Great Pumpkin Street Drags
Oct 22 – 2 pm
Come to Mt Carroll Pumpkin Fest and spend the day enjoying all the activities but make sure you’re downtown at 2:00 PM because the 5th annual GREAT PUMPKIN STREET DRAGS will feature REAL pumpkin race cars battling in a unique side-by-side single elimination races featuring handcrafted, decorated Pumpkin Race Cars in a funky and hilarious display of American ingenuity. Entries in each age bracket will battle head-to-head for cash prizes! All races take place in downtown Mt Carroll. Registration begins at 12:30 and races begin at 2 pm.

]]>2661Carroll County Country Christmas Coming to Northwest Illinois!http://visitcarrollcountyil.com/carroll-county-country-christmas-coming-to-northwest-illinois/
Wed, 28 Sep 2016 15:51:14 +0000http://visitcarrollcountyil.com/?p=2659Welcome to the Carroll County Country Christmas! (Formerly Called Great Route 64/84 Shop Hop). Join us here in Carroll County for the first two weekends in November. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping needs! For complete details and a printable brochure of the shops, restaurants, and events CLICK HERE!

Welcome to the Carroll County Country Christmas! (Formerly Called Great Route 64/84 Shop Hop).

Join us here in Carroll County for the first two weekends in November. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping needs! For complete details and a printable brochure of the shops, restaurants, and events CLICK HERE!

]]>2653New Lodging in Carroll County “Grandpa’s Cabin”!http://visitcarrollcountyil.com/new-lodging-in-carroll-county-grandpas-cabin/
Mon, 15 Aug 2016 19:03:45 +0000http://visitcarrollcountyil.com/?p=2641Carroll County Illinois Tourism is very proud to present our newest lodging facility! “Grandpa’s Cabin” as it has been named by owner Bill Delp is the ultimate lodging for those who want to step back in time to the 1800’s. Come and spend the night in peaceful seclusion at “Grandpa’s Cabin”. It is located at 10423 […]

Carroll County Illinois Tourism is very proud to present our newest lodging facility! “Grandpa’s Cabin” as it has been named by owner Bill Delp is the ultimate lodging for those who want to step back in time to the 1800’s.

Come and spend the night in peaceful seclusion at “Grandpa’s Cabin”. It is located at 10423 Zion Road, north of Savanna, Illinois.

Tranquil & Unique Lodging in a Restored 1837 Log Cabin!

Situated in the rolling hills north of Savanna “Grandpa’s Cabin is just minutes from the Mississippi River.

Enter and you will step back in time to the 1830’s. Grandpa’s Cabin was built in 1837 and was the home to many families and many generations! it was originally located a few miles from Bill’s property and he moved it to it’s current location at Bill Delp Photography Studio.

Experience the ambiance of this historic & humble structure – a true work of art. Enjoy the secluded location among rolling wooded hills, hay fields, wild flowers and grasses. Savor the quiet…the wildlife…the song birds. Stroll the trails and enjoy the sunsets in total calm away from your busy hectic lives!

* Free WiFi

* Coffee

* Tea

* Mini Fridge

* Microwave

* Fireplace

* Music

* Accomodates up to 4 Adults

* 40 Minutes from Historic Galena, IL and Dubuque area

* No TV

For reservations and more information phone: 815-273-2803

10423 Zion Road Savanna, IL 61074

Grandpa’s Cabin Savanna Illinois

Located just minutes away from beautiful Mississippi Palisades State Park.